Curriculum vitae

Jim Kirkpatrick

Winchester, Hampshire, UK

Personal Profile

I'm an experienced web developer and consultant who specialises in Drupal, solution development and all related web and server software. I have over 15 years professional web and software development experience, including team leader roles and 6 years with Drupal and related technologies. My technical experience is for the entire software stack, from the web and database servers, through server-side code, up to and including client-side technologies.

Working in the corporate and enterprise employers has taught me how to architect, plan and produce software whist communicating roadmaps and ideas to the business and stakeholders. In my time as a freelance developer/consultant I have worked with individuals, organisations, non-profits and businesses and have a proven track record of designing, implementing and delivering successful, compelling websites. I also run my own Linux VPS with high-performance Drupal Barracuda architecture and Aegir site provisioning system.

I aim to always be progressive, personable and enthusiastic, and am proven to deliver innovative sites to clients while being sensitive to their needs, budget and level of technical expertise. I often present solutions to customeres and train users, and am able to talk in laymen’s terms or in technical detail with ease.

Work Experience

Senior Drupal Developer, Xyratex Technology Limited, Havant, Hampshire

February 2012 — date

Joined Xyratex when they started to use Drupal 7 for many projects, soon became the lead for a team of developers and consulted on many projects.

I developed and planned several sites and proof of concept integrations. Used/consumed several web services provided by BizTalk. Integrated Drupal service sites with Single Sign On solution (Bakery and OneLogin/SAML). Built client extranet/information centre based around Organic Groups and diverse user access models. Created My Xyratex portal/hub to connect service sites and provide unified user dashboard, account provisioning and access control.

Was instrumental in creating Drupal culture, and wrote processes and best practice documents for use of Git, Acquia managed cloud and releases. Interviewed and trained a team of junior developers I led on over a dozen projects. Key involvement with web strategy/architecture decisions.

Worked on the Enterprise Architect team to plan the internet strategy for IT going forward. Liaised with and coordinated 3rd party suppliers who developed some of our Drupal sites. Regular presentations and consultation with many departments and levels of Xyratex. Went to US office to plan IT strategy for forthcoming year, including meeting key Google representitives. 

Freelance Web Developer & Consultant, i-JK Drupal Solutions, Winchester, Hampshire

November 2007 — date

Dozens of Drupal sites consulted, created, supported, designed and maintained for many different clients with wildly variing needs and abilities. Bespoke themes and modules developed to meet with the varying needs of each site. I provide support, SEO, advice and the option of a complete managed hosting solution to my clients.

Developed a broad, deep knowledge of the Drupal ecosystem and its related modules, structure and techniques over the years. I have used almost every aspect of the Drupal 6 and 7 APIs and am co-maintainer of the IP Login module.

Further details of my Drupal projects are available on my Drupal Projects page. References available on request.

Sabbatical & Volunteering, Dorset & Hampshire

December 2006 — April 2008

I decided to do a little travelling, work on a farm and learn new skills. I used my web and IT skills in a voluntary capacity for local charities and organisations. I started my freelance business during this period.

Senior Web Developer, Matchtech Group, Fareham, Hampshire

December 2002 — November 2006

Originally employed to build and run a website to be integrated with the bespoke recruitment software that ran Matchtech, I was later instrumental in web strategy for the business. The website was later extended to provide services for partners and managed recruitment solutions.

Later I was lead software developer for an ambitious project to re-write the company's recruitment software in VB.Net and create a modern, extensible platform that could handle the needs of a growing, ambitious company. This was a complex and broad system that handled hundreds of thousands of candidates, vacancies, clients and integrated with the website and back office systems. I regularly demonstrated and liaised with members of board and senior recruitment consultants to discuss new ideas and improvements to the software and processes.

I became team leader for the 6 developers working on the website and business software as the project progressed and was completed. My team of developers maintained, enhanced and innovated on the new platform and related projects.

Senior Web Developer, MBA Systems Ltd, Winchester, Hampshire

September 2000 — November 2002

MBA Systems create bespoke solutions for the finance and investments industry. Security and reliability were paramount in this environment, but the user experience was very important.

I built dozens of brochure-style and asset management sites that integrated with MBA's systems. I also designed and built a complete white-label client site able to be easily re-branded. I regularly participated in the release of completed sites from development to the live operations environment using controlled processes.

I was instrumental in steering web development methodology towards a web standards-based approach, separating design from content and improving cross-browser compatibility. I was also lead web developer on a browser-based, real-time share dealing, news and market information system for the London Stock Exchange.

Key Skills & Experience

Education

BSc. Single Honours Media Computing, University of Exeter, Devon

1996 — 2000 Areas studied included: Advanced Information Systems, AI & Software Engineering, Commercial and Industrial Experience, Computer Aided Publishing, Digital Audio, Information Access, Visualisation and Animation. Logic Programming and Prolog, Theory of Computing, Graphics, Database Techniques, Concurrent Programming, Multimedia Production, Design and Method, Artificial Intelligence, Social and Clinical Psychology. Languages learned were C++, Java and SQL, Systems Analysis, Computers and Society

A-Levels, Peter Symonds College, Winchester, Hampshire

1993 — 1996 Computing (A), Chemistry (C), Physics (C)

GCSEs, Perins Community School, Alresford, Hampshire,

1987 — 1993 10 GCSEs, all at grades A to C including Science (AA), Mathematics (A), Statistics (B), English Language (C) and English Literature (C)

Interests

I play a little guitar and grow some of my own fruit and vegetables - I'm in the process of building an aquaponics setup in my greenhouse. I read a lot of non-fiction so I can keep up with current affairs and news about global issues and the economy. I also keep up to date with the world of Drupal developments and best practice, plus related web innovations.

References are available on request, please contact me if you are interested in hiring me.